MERCEDES SLK (2008)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 6,876 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Total Tests (2024)
6,876
Avg Mileage
75,187 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,867
Is the 2008 MERCEDES SLK reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 16 years old, 80% of MERCEDES SLKs from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 6,876 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 75,187 miles.
How does the 2008 MERCEDES SLK compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2008 MERCEDES SLK has 75,187 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MERCEDES SLK?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2008 sits between the two at 80%.
How much does a 2008 MERCEDES SLK cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MERCEDES SLK by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 89% | 2,572 | 42,977 mi |
| 2015 | 87% | 11,055 | 48,710 mi |
| 2014 | 87% | 11,284 | 55,581 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 11,106 | 62,322 mi |
| 2012 | 84% | 13,361 | 64,940 mi |
| 2011 | 85% | 5,660 | 61,469 mi |
| 2010 | 80% | 4,472 | 66,541 mi |
| 2009 | 81% | 5,347 | 71,532 mi |
| 2008 | 80% | 6,876 | 75,187 mi |
| 2007 | 79% | 7,700 | 77,695 mi |
| 2006 | 79% | 7,884 | 80,213 mi |
| 2005 | 78% | 10,305 | 82,791 mi |
| 2004 | 78% | 6,598 | 84,132 mi |
| 2003 | 78% | 3,327 | 85,438 mi |
| 2002 | 81% | 3,692 | 87,295 mi |
| 2001 | 82% | 4,005 | 90,848 mi |
| 2000 | 79% | 3,545 | 90,918 mi |
| 1999 | 79% | 4,295 | 87,626 mi |
| 1998 | 79% | 3,523 | 89,671 mi |
| 1997 | 81% | 2,190 | 90,802 mi |
| 1996 | 76% | 126 | 98,709 mi |
Checking a specific MERCEDES SLK?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2008 MERCEDES SLK
The 2008 MERCEDES SLK is a family car with a 1798cc petrol engine. 6,876 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 75,187 miles at 16 years old, MERCEDES SLK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 MERCEDES SLK Fuel Costs
The 1798cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 MERCEDES SLK?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,867 (£156/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MERCEDES SLK Reliability Trend
Newer MERCEDES SLKs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2008 MERCEDES SLK
At 16 years old, the MERCEDES SLK is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. With 6,876 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2008 MERCEDES SLK
The MERCEDES SLK is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2008) 72% pass rate (-8%) from 109,443 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2009) 74% pass rate (-6%) from 105,193 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2010) 74% pass rate (-6%) from 99,909 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2010) 67% pass rate (-13%) from 60,994 tests